WOUTERUS VERSCHUUR (DUTCH, 1812-1874)

Wouterus Verschuur specialized in equestrian scenes in stable interiors and landscapes. The 17th Century artist Philips Wouverman's (1619-1668) work was an important influence on Verschuur, both in style and subject matter. His talent was recognized at an early age with his Felix Meritis Society competition entries of 1831 and 1832 for which he was awarded gold medals. He was appointed a member of the Royal Academy of Amsterdam the following year and of the society Arti et Amitiae in 1839.

All of Verschuur's exceptional talent is visible in the present monumental painting: the musculature of the horses and immaculate grooming are brilliantly observed, as is the group of figures resting in the foreground and the winding path leading the eye into the distance.